Quick answer
For a true travel easel that sets up like a mini studio, choose the Take-Along Activity Easel. For the most compact, mess-free screen-free travel art kit with water-reveal coloring, choose the Water WOW! Multi-Activity Gift Bundle.
Why the easel feels more like art class
The Take-Along Activity Easel is a double-sided wooden tabletop easel with a chalkboard on one side and a dry-erase board on the other. That vertical drawing surface encourages kids to stand back and use bigger arm movements, which is closer to real easel work than a flat pad. The trade-off is that it needs a table or flat surface and takes up more space than a zip case.
Why the Water WOW! bundle wins on packability
The Water WOW! Multi-Activity Gift Bundle centers on a 12-piece take-along drawing set with a zip-open case, a built-in rainbow-swirl board, and pockets for cards, stencils, water stamps, a sponge stamp pad, and a large water pen. It folds into one self-contained kit, so there are no loose markers to chase under car seats. The trade-off is that the drawing surface is smaller and flatter than an easel, so it suits lap play more than stand-up art.
Mess and cleanup: markers vs water
The easel uses six included liquid chalk markers on both surfaces plus a felt eraser, so kids can draw again and again. That means marker caps, a felt eraser, and the need to keep the markers with the easel. The Water WOW! bundle uses water in a tethered pen, which is the cleaner option for car seats and restaurant tables. Neither is truly zero-mess, but water wins for parents who want to avoid ink on upholstery.
Trade-offs to weigh before you buy
- Surface type: The easel offers a vertical chalkboard and dry-erase board; the Water WOW! bundle offers a flat built-in rainbow-swirl board and water-reveal pads. Choose vertical for easel-style drawing, flat for lap-friendly coloring. If your child prefers standing or propping the surface up, the easel is the closer match.
- Mess level: The easel uses liquid chalk markers and a felt eraser; the Water WOW! bundle uses a water pen and water stamps. Water is easier to wipe from car seats and tables, while markers may stain fabric. For shared back seats or restaurant tables, lean toward the water-based kit.
- Portability and storage: The easel is a wooden tabletop unit that needs a flat surface; the Water WOW! bundle is a zip-open case with pockets for all pieces. The case is easier to carry and harder to lose parts in. If you need one bag to grab and go, the bundle is the simpler pack.
Product facts
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Take-Along Activity Easel: Double-sided wooden tabletop easel with chalkboard and dry-erase board, six liquid chalk markers, felt eraser, four double-sided activity borders, and five double-sided tracing cards. Gives kids structured tracing and free drawing on a vertical surface, but you need to pack the markers and eraser separately.
Take-Along Activity Easel
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Water WOW! Multi-Activity Gift Bundle: Two-item bundle with a 12-piece take-along drawing set in a zip-open case with built-in rainbow-swirl board, plus Water WOW! water-reveal coloring. Keeps all pieces contained in one case and uses water instead of markers, making it the lower-mess choice for car trips.
Water WOW! Multi-Activity Gift Bundle
Which one fits your trip?
Best for
- Families who want a travel easel for kids that mimics a real art station
- Kids who like chalk and dry-erase drawing with tracing cards
- Tablet or picnic-table art sessions where a flat surface is available
Not for
- Parents who want the lowest-mess option for car seats and airplanes
- Kids who need everything to fit in one small zip case
- Travelers with very limited lap space